Hamburger SV rode on the shoulder of their star player Davie Selke to secure a thrilling 2-1 victory against Preußen Münster during their 2. Bundesliga clash on February 7, 2025. This match marked not just another step for HSV toward their promotional aspirations but also highlighted their struggles against newly promoted teams over recent seasons.
The game took place at the Preußenstadion, where the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as Hamburg looked to shake off their recent woes against sides newly ascended to the second tier. Hamburg had experienced difficulties against such teams, having accumulated only two points from their last five outings against promoted sides. Therefore, the pressure was palpable, not just for the players but also for the supporters eager for signs of resurgence.
Right from the kickoff, Hamburg displayed offensive intent, dominating possession and pushing forward relentlessly. Selke, who returned sporting a protective mask after recovering from facial surgery, was at the forefront of their attacks. A pivotal moment came as early as the 20th minute when Selke found himself with a glorious chance but headed narrowly over the bar. Minutes later, the tables turned when Preußen Münster sprang to life and surprised the visitors.
It was the 24th minute when Münster took the lead through Lukas Frenkert, who capitalized on a corner taken by Mikkel Kirkeskov. Frenkert's header sent the ball soaring over Hamburg's defense and the home fans erupted as he netted the first goal of the match.
Despite going down early, Hamburg did not falter. They maintained pressure and continued to look for an equalizer, which finally came just before halftime. Selke redeemed himself by converting with precision, meeting Silvan Hefti's cross with his head. His 45+4 minute goal revived Hamburg’s momentum, bringing the score to 1-1 as the teams headed for the locker rooms.
The second half saw Hamburg assert their dominance even more as they sought to clinch all three points. They came exceedingly close to taking the lead when Marco Richter’s fierce shot rattled the crossbar shortly after the break. A dramatic moment unfolded soon after when referee Wolfgang Haslberger initially awarded Hamburg a penalty for a foul inside the box. Yet, after consulting the video assistant referee (VAR), he overturned his decision—much to the relief of the home supporters.
With Hamburg controlling the game, both sides continued pressing for opportunities. Münster, once content with only defending, began to explore counterattack options. David Kinsombi nearly put them back on top with a close-range effort, but his shot barely skimmed past the post.
Just when it seemed the match would end undetermined, drama surged as the clock wound down. The defining moment arrived deep within stoppage time. Following another energetic run from Selke, he was brought down by Frenkert inside the box, prompting Haslberger to point to the penalty spot once more. This time, there was no doubt: Selke stepped up and calmly slotted the ball past the keeper, marking his second goal of the night and securing the win for HSV.
Post-match, Selke praised his team’s tenacity, stating, "We believed until the end we could win this game. Great compliment, you can clearly see our development as a team," highlighting not just the victory but the growth they’ve experienced through trying times.
Hamburger SV’s victory not only provided them with three significant points but also acted as a mental boost as they strive to reclaim their spot at the top tier of German football. The triumph allowed them to momentarily hold the second position on the league table, driven by ambition and determination to overcome the ghosts of past failures.
Looking forward, HSV will face another newly promoted side, Jahn Regensburg, on February 16, 2025. Both teams will enter the clash with differing stakes as Hamburg aims to consolidate their ranking, whilst Regensburg scrambles for points to secure their survival.
For Münster, the loss meant disappointment compounded as they seek to solidify their place within the league, having endured ups and downs since their promotion, now facing the reality of the challenging road ahead.
Selke's late heroics, combined with the dynamic nature of the match, allowed Hamburg to celebrate as they emerged not only with three points but also a newfound hope of returning to their former glory.